I am looking for some good suggestions for our annual holiday party at work. We typically go for a late lunch/early dinner. We are in Trenton, and would prefer someplace that is within 15 minutes, ie Chambersburg, Ewing, Hamilton ets. Princeton is do-able. It would be for about 25 people. The type of food is not important, but we would like a bar and the possibility of being able to mingle. In the past we have been seated at tables in a tight space which made it impossible to talk with anyone other than the person seated next to you. Thanks!

We are thinking about going to Deanna's to celebrate my birthday, but I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for somewhere else in the Lambertville/New Hope area. I would like someplace that is not stuffy or exceedingly expensive. We will have a party of 6 and sushi and french are out. I have been to Deanna's and like the food there, but would like to try someplace different. Thanks!!

I am planning on embarking on two missions this summer:1) to visit as many ice cream stands in NJ or eastern PA as possible (I am talking about old school deliciousness ala jersey freeze NO coldstone or chains please!) that have not been knocked down to build jughandles or olive gardens and 2) to find the remaining italian ice places that make the ices at the shop. I am not talking RItas!

SO I am wondering if the Chowhounds have some good suggestions? Anywhere in NJ or within reasonable distance into PA is perfect! Thanks!

I am wondering if anyone knows a place to buy premade pizza dough (uncooked or rolled, so that I can make the pies at home) around Trenton or Lambertville. I have never bought it before, so I have no idea. Is it sold at Wegmans or another grocery store on Rt. 1? Or at any local pizzarias? Thanks!!!

Westfield is the closest, but I heard a rumor that there will be one opening on Rt. 1 in Princeton soon. Also heard that Wild Oats (basically across the street from Whole Earth) in Princeton is being bought out by WHole Foods and wil be closing.

I have been to Deanna's once, and thought the pasta was very good, but the service not so great. We ate at the bar also and the bartender was running back and forth under the bar right next to me the whole evening. It was not that crowded, but it took a long time for our drinks to be refilled, and the food took a while to arrive.

On the other hand, Rick's is great in the food and service department. I recommend going during the week if you can, the menu tends to be a little more diverse. It is much more laid back than Deanna's, and not quite as pricey (Deanna's pasta costs about the same as a meat entree at Rick's).

Calandra's Restaurant in the Best Western on 46 east in Fairfield is very good Italian. It is surprising since it is in a hotel, but we eat there often and alsways enjoy it. There is a Calandras deli/bakery in the strip mall next to the hotel also, so dont get confused.